The late Tiger Hunter has been posthumously honoured for his 74 years of volunteer service with the Bribbaree Rural Fire Service Brigade. Photo: Tory Davidson.
A Young district farmer who passed away last month has been honoured for his exceptional voluntary service to the NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS).
Amid a mammoth 97 long service medals recently presented to volunteers who have served the RFS in the South West Slopes Zone by local MP Steph Cooke, it was the one presented posthumously to Maurice “Tiger” Hunter that really stood out.
The medals were introduced to replace the long service badge in 2009 and are now awarded to volunteers for 10 years of long service with impellers and clasps awarded for each subsequent 10-year period of service.
But for Tiger Hunter, the presentation of his long service medal fifth clasp wasn’t just representative of what would today total 50 years of service, but 74 years of service to the Bribbaree Brigade, making him the longest serving volunteer in the South West Slopes region.
Ms Cooke, had joined NSW RFS Superintendent Trevor Reeves, Rural Fire Services Brigade volunteer members and their families from across the South West Slopes Zone to present the long service medals, honouring their unwavering commitment, at two medal presentation events at Yannawah, west of Young, and at the South West Slopes Fire Control Centre near Harden.
Superintendent Reeves thanked Mr Hunter’s family for accepting his long service medal and providing the support he needed to carry out his role in protecting the local community.
The event also marked a significant milestone in the history of the Yannawah Brigade with the official opening of the $340,000 Yannawah Fire Station and delivering the keys to a new $420,000 Category 1 fire truck to brigade captain Ralph Donaldson.
According to Ms Cooke, it was the first time in the brigade’s history they had a place to call home, a space to train and house equipment.
Yannawah now boasts its own fire station following the official opening of the new $340,000 facility. Photo: Steph Cooke.
“Thanks to an investment of $340,000, Yannawah Brigade now has a state-of-the-art fire station, complete with two appliance bays, a training room, kitchen, and amenities,” she said.
The bushfire tanker unit constructed by Alan Manwaring of Yannawah. Image: National Library of Australia.
“This much-needed facility will greatly benefit the brigade members and the community, which now has a modern meeting place.”
And in a far cry from what was state of the art in 1955 – a bushfire tanker unit constructed by Alan Manwaring of Yannawah – featured in the Bush Fire Bulletin, the new off-road capable Category 1 Fire Truck is designed to carry a crew of six along with supporting equipment for fire-fighting duties which incorporate cabin protection spray systems for the safety of firefighters in burn over situations.
The day’s celebrations continued at the South West Slopes Fire Control Centre in Harden, where volunteers were recognised for their remarkable years of service, ranging from 10 to over 70 years.
This included Brian McNair who joined the Bribbaree Brigade 69 years ago, holding the positions of captain and president.
Superintendent Reeves said it was great to see two of his children were also now serving as firefighters.
“With years of service ranging from 10 to more than 70 years, many of these volunteers have dedicated a significant portion of their life to protecting others,” Superintendent Reeves said.
“These ceremonies are an important opportunity to recognise the hard work and incredible contribution of RFS volunteers across the region, particularly those who have given decades of service.”
Ms Cooke said regional communities owed great gratitude to the RFS volunteers, particularly those with over 60 years of service.
“Many of our RFS members are farmers who selflessly give their time to help those in need,” she said. “Recognising their commitment and providing them with the necessary facilities and equipment is crucial.”
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